With the Crusaders and Hurricanes in contention for a potential Super Rugby final, some key All Blacks could be spared a trip to Argentina. It's an opportunity for Steve Hansen to throw some fringe players into the World Cup mix - Craig Dowd writes.

Flyhalf Richie Mo'unga had a hand in all of the Crusaders' points as they put a controversial week off the field behind them to beat the Blues in Christchurch and extend their lead at the top of the New Zealand conference.

The Chiefs face a potentially season-defining clash with the Hurricanes while the Waratahs host the Sharks at what will be just the second match at Sydney's new Bankwest Stadium. Follow all the team listings for Round 11 here.

Matt Faddes scored a long-range intercept try in the 56th minute that gave the Highlanders some breathing room as they snapped a five-game losing streak with victory over the Blues in Dunedin on Saturday.